Roller Shades

Simple Roll-Up Shades

Simple and effective, roller shades are a classic choice of window covering. These inexpensive window shades provide privacy and protect the home's interior from being damaged by the sun's rays. They are also available in an array of colors to coordinate with a room.

Roller shades usually have a metal or wood roller with a shade attached. Inside the roller there is a spring and a ratchet. When the shade is lowered, more tension is put on the spring, but when it is raised the tension is released and the shade can wrap around the roller. The shade can be made from vinyl, fabric, paper or wood.

If you can't sleep in a room flooded with sunlight, then blackout shades would be a good choice. Blackout roller shades block out natural light, allowing you to sleep in peaceful darkness long after the sun has risen.

If you're concerned about the sun's ultraviolet rays entering your home, you might consider a sheer solar shade. These roller shades allow sunlight to filter into a room while blocking out UV rays. Not only will they provide some protection for you and your family from the harmful effects of UV rays, but sheer solar roller shades slow the fading of furniture, rugs and drapes. With darker colors of these sheer roller shades it is easier to see through to the outdoors and enjoy the view.

Roller shades are known for being easy to mount, a bonus for those who aren't particularly handy around the house. For surface mount roller shades, mounting brackets are attached to the wall. Surface mount roller shades should be slightly wider than the window. For inside mount roller shades, mounting brackets are attached to the window frame. Inside mount roller shades must fit the window exactly and might have to be cut to fit.